Plan aims to improve water quality on part of Palouse RiverPublic comment period runs through Aug. 21

SPOKANE – A new plan for the North Fork Palouse River aims to improve water
quality and stream health for fish and other aquatic life.

The Washington Department of Ecology developed the plan in response to
problems like insufficient dissolved oxygen and high pH in the river. The amount
of dissolved oxygen in a water body is vital to the health and sustainability of
fish populations. Fish and other aquatic organisms need oxygen to “breathe” just
like humans. Some insects and fish become sick or die when oxygen levels are too
low.

The pH reflects the chemical balance of water. High pH indicates that water
is alkaline, which can result in toxic or lethal conditions for aquatic life.

One pollutant this plan addresses is nitrogen, which acts like a fertilizer,
causing algae to flourish. Excess algae leads to wide daily swings in the
dissolved oxygen levels and pH in the water.

In an effort to meet water quality standards and improve stream health, the
plan outlines several actions that need to be implemented. The most significant,
concentrated source of nitrogen to the North Fork Palouse River is discharge
from the City of Palouse wastewater treatment plant. The city will need to
explore options to meet new permit limits required by this plan.

Other actions needed to achieve water quality standards in the river include:

Restoring the historic natural levels of streamside shade.

Reducing pollution in stormwater runoff.

Preventing soil erosion and fertilizer nutrient release to
streams or groundwater from agricultural and residential land.

Stopping failing septic systems effluent from reaching the
river.

The public is invited to comment on this plan, which can be
reviewed
online or in person at public libraries in Palouse and Colfax. You can also
request that a copy of the plan be sent to you by calling 509-329-3503. The
comment period runs from July 22 to Aug. 21, 2015.